Summary: Staging her Auntie Mame-inspired, opulent explosion of flapper wear in a series of four rooms at the Plaza Hotel, Alice + Olivia designer Stacy Bendet went all out for her Fall RTW presentation.
Bendent mentioned that she had been experimenting with pants and knits for this collection, which resulted in beautifully styled separates throughout. It was the 1920s inspiration behind the designer's modernized flapper gowns that really set the tone for this collection. Covering nearly every facet of the texture wheel, Bendet's dresses explored pleating and ruffled skirts, alpaca fur stoles, sleeve and vest accents, extravagant shiny beading, and embroidered brocade embellishments throughout.
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The entire collection was reminiscent of one big decadent party, which is actually what Bendet put on. A roaming staff of waiters ensured that no guest was without champagne, or one of the many chocolates, cupcakes, Godiva lollipops or little heart-shaped "a+o" cookies — a veritable feast of Valentine's Day sweets.
All in all, Bendet's glitzy fete was a raging success. DJ Mia Moretti kept the music going from a grand piano set in a corner, and there was even a featured presentation by burlesque dancer Hazel Honeysuckle. Of course, these things only highlighted the event's shining guests of honor: the clothes. Although many of the clunky platform heels and knee-high boots seemed out of place with the overall glamour of Bendet's clothing, the pieces themselves were irrefutably stunning and a treat to see in motion, as models sipped champagne and danced to the music. A glorious affair, indeed.
Color Palette: bronze, black, chocolate, taupe, silver, gold, rose gold, blood orange, navy blue, mandarin, white, beige, tan, pale yellow, chocolate brown, burgundy, slate grey, plum,
Fabrics and Textures: fur, sequins, brocade, leather, satin, crinoline, beading, pony hair, knit, corduroy, suede, tweed, ruffles, pleating, crinkled leather, fringe, boucle, fur shearling, plaid, alpaca fur, glitter, patent leather, rouching, dolman, lace, pallettes, velvet, tulle,
Key Looks: Curved collar structured shoulder blazer, cropped sequin sweater, ruffle collar bow blouse, full ruffle skirt and Jeannie lizard wedge; sequin fringe tank, seamed leather bell pants with sequin cascade cardigan with fur and a Kiera snake skin pump; beaded black drape top with a fur short coat, beaded drape skirt and Pasha crinkled leather knee high boots.
— Amanda Aldinger
Photos: NY Mag
